Item 2022.50 - Scooterist's MA-I Jacket

Identity area

Reference code

2022.50

Title

Scooterist's MA-I Jacket

Date(s)

  • undated [1984-1993] (Creation)

Level of description

Item

Extent and medium

1

Context area

Name of creator

Unknown

Biographical history

Repository

Westminster Menswear Archive

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Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Content and structure area

Scope and content

Zip-front flight jacket made from black nylon fabric, featuring a ribbed collar, cuffs, and hem. At the waist, on either side of the front, are angled flap pockets secured with poppers. A small zip-fastened pocket is located on the left sleeve, just above the elbow. The jacket is adorned with over 50 hand-stitched patches, reflecting 1980s scooter culture. An enamel badge reading "Vestpa" is positioned on the inner side of the zip on the right, while another badge, featuring the AA logo and reading "Rider Club," is on the left sleeve near the small pocket. The jacket's lining is made from faded orange nylon fabric, with two vertical welted pockets at the waist, reinforced with contrasting black nylon borders.

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      Label: Jacket, Airman's Immediate MA-IA / Size 34 / Shell-N-Lining 100% Nylon / Interlining 100% Polyester Fibre Fill / Dry Clean Only / Made in England
      Material: Nylon, Polyester
      Details: Ribbing to collar, cuffs and hem; patches stitched on
      Measurements: Size 34
      Physical Condition: Some pilling and staining to hem, cuffs and collar. Fraying near top of zip on right side.

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      From Inside the Westminster Menswear Archive:

      SCOOTERIST’S MA-1 JACKET
      Maker unknown
      1984
      While scootering had been a popular means of travel for young people from the 1950s onwards, the National Scooter Riders Association rallies in the early 1980s increased its popularity. This MA-1-style jacket is embellished with patches from British scooter rallies held between 1984 and 1993, including several designed by Paddy Smith, who began designing and selling cloth patches to fellow scooterists at the 1981 National Rally in Great Yarmouth. By 1983, he was producing patches for each of the nine national scooter rallies held at Morecombe, Weymouth, Yarmouth, Dunbar, Weston-Super-Mare, Scarborough, Isle of Wight, Southport and Skegness. The patches quickly became a way to identify fellow rally-goers. Not only do they commemorate the scooter runs, but they also highlight the changing fashions in scooters, customization and graphic design.
      Nylon, Cotton
      Archive no. 2022.50

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